There was an added mystery to last week’s Photo Challenge.
In addition to guessing where in Westport the image was — the date “1806,” carved in concrete set in a red brick building — readers tried to figure out why it was there.
The structure — the Bank of America branch on Post Road East, next to Design Within Reach (the old post office) — clearly does not date from the early 19th century. (Click here to see.)
Ed Davis — one of 5 readers who correctly guessed the site — has what sounds like a plausible answer:
Didn’t that building used to house Connecticut National Bank in the 1960s-1970s? According to Google, CNB used to the the Bridgeport Bank, which was founded in 1806. Maybe it is to commemorate the founding of the bank (and not the building).
Mystery solved! (Perhaps.)
Congrats to historical sleuth Ed, along with Pat Saviano, Morley Boyd, Lynn Untermeyer Miller and Seth Schachter. You can bank on them to know many answers.
This week’s Photo Challenge doubles as a really nice image of Westport.
If you know where you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/John Maloney)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
But a Montessori school may be in Westport’s future.
Apple Montessori Schools has applied for a special permit, and site plan approval, to convert the Bank of America building — next to Starbucks, on Post Road East — into a 2-story private school.
As a first step the Architectural Review Board will review the proposed addition, facade renovations and outdoor play spaces and pool at its March 18 meeting (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).
The building has been vacant since Bank of America closed several Fairfield County branches, early in the pandemic.
This vacant bank building … (Photo courtesy of Google Earth)
Montessori is a non-trademarked method of education that emphasizes hands-on learning and the development of real-world skills, rather than formal instruction.
Montessori schools believe that children are capable of initiating learning, and that education should not be measured by grades or tests.
There are Montessori schools for children 14 months through 8th grade in Fairfield and Wilton. There is currently no Montessori school in Westport.
The building is in the Highway Service District, with a portion of the rear property zoned Residence A. Schools are permitted — subject to special permit approval — in the HSD and Residence A zone.
Interior renovations would convert the bank into a Montessori school providing “curriculum based early learning,” with infant/preschool programs through kindergarten.
… could become this.
The maximum capacity is 124 children: approximately 40 kindergartners, 60 preschoolers, 16 toddlers and 8 infants. The proposed hours are weekdays, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dropoff and pickup times would be staggered.
On average, 8 to 10 staff members would be at the school during peak times.
There would be a small addition where the drive-in area is now, along with “new paint and materials for added visual interest and an improved aesthetic.”
Montessori also proposed enclosed outdoor play and learning spaces, and a small saltwater pool used only for preschool swim lessons in the summer.
The ARB meeting is the first of several in the town approval process.
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Longtime Westporter “06880” reader Scott Smith writes:
I’ve sat on the sidelines for most of the endless debate about downtown parking, but the recent 06880 post about the “field trip” to Jesup Green by RTM members and town leaders really gets my goat.
I can’t believe the town is considering paving over a large swath of precious and historic green space in the heart of downtown for the sake of a few more parked cars.
I googled the Jesup Green area to get a bird’s-eye view. I wanted to explore an idea: If the merchants or town muckety-mucks really want more convenient parking downtown, they should buy 100 and/or 126 Post Road East — the current homes of Paper Source/Bankwell and Bank of America, respectively — and turn those sites into public parking.
Aerial view of downtown shows many empty parking spaces behind the Bank of America building (top center, red circle), and Paper Source (to its immediate left). Jesup Road is the street in the middle. Jesup Green, and the Taylor parking lot, are at lower left.
Each entity could be easily relocated, as there’s already a glut of empty retail space in the area (and certainly no shortage of banks). Hey, knock yourself out and amortize both properties. Presto: There’s your 40 new spaces, close by anywhere downtown.
But do we really want to pave over all of downtown? Looking at the satellite view makes me think there is absolutely no shortage of parking in the area surrounding Jesup Green.
Toni Simonetti outlined current police parking near Jesup Green (center) and behind police headquarters (lower right) in yellow. The purple area shows where new parking could be created at the top of Jesup Green (outline), and along Jesup Road (hash marks).
The problem is access and zoning. No way BofA, with its drive-thru, needs all those parking spaces, for instance. Or perhaps the bank could be persuaded to open up its empty parking spaces to employees of local retailers who bank with them? Has anybody asked?
Not shown in the bird’s-eye view is another overlooked parking option: All the unused spaces behind the Police Department.
Lower parking lot, near police headquarters. The entrance is at the bottom of Jesup Road, near Imperial Avenue. This view is looking west, toward the Levitt Pavilion and Library.
I parked there a dozen years ago while working at the Westport YMCA when it was still downtown, and the Jesup Road municipal lot was closed for renovation and construction of the Paper Source building.
It’s an easy walk, especially for those working and shopping on the southeast side of downtown. Presto: There’s 40 more spaces!
So c’mon, RTM members, First Selectwoman Tooker and Public Works director Ratkiewich: If you’re dead set on adding downtown parking, get off the dime and build a deck on the Baldwin lot.
Or repurpose the police lot for safe, secure parking for retail employees.
Or make a deal to open up or convert existing underutilized retail space to additional parking.
But keep your hands off the town’s unique and under-appreciated riverfront walkways and vistas — especially Jesup Green.
Scott’s suggestion to utilize the parking lot behind police headquarters, near Deadman Brook, has been made by other “06880” readers.
One idea: Use that entire lot behind the headquarters building for police vehicle parking. That would free up the spaces currently used to the west of the building — near Jesup Green — for parking by downtown shoppers, restaurant-goers and employees.
The RTM will discuss a $630,000 appropriation for a study on Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue parking at its meeting on Tuesday, May 7 (Town Hall auditorium), following its vote on the Board of Education budget. Discussion on the parking issue is expected to begin around 8:30 p.m.
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Westporters know that this is a great community for music.
Now it’s official. The Westport Public Schools are officially a “Best Community for Music Education.” The designation comes from the NAMM Foundation — part of the National Association of Music Merchants.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because this is our 9th “Best Community” honor in a row.
The award is for school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. School officials answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.
The schools benefit from partners like the Westport Library, Levitt Pavilion, PTAs, Westport Permanent Art Collections and Westport Arts Advisory Committee.
No word on whether there’s an official ceremony for the award. If so, there will be no shortage of entertainment.
Staples and middle school musicians work hard to put on good shows. (Photo/Inklings)
Speaking of the arts: White Barn — Lucille Lortel’s famed experimental theater that straddled the Westport-Norwalk line — and the actress/director’s nearby home were demolished a while ago.
Now a number of trees have been cleared too, in preparation for the construction of 15 homes.
Some remaining wetlands won’t be touched, nor will 5 acres around the pond that are now part of the Norwalk Land Trust.
But this is the scene, not far from what was once the White Barn Theater:
And speaking of the theater (again): The Westport Country Playhouse is still going strong. However, due to COVID, its 4 productions are online this year.
But the stage won’t be completely dark. Three cabaret performances will take place live. The special shows — music and comedy, with limited seating — are benefits for the storied theater.
On June 26, Brad Simmons and Tony Pinkins present Broadway favorites, contemporary covers, classics and more.
Larry Owens’ “Sondheimia” (July 17) explores time, love and ambition through Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics.
Tony Award winner Ali Stroker shares songs from her repertoire on July 24.
Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (May 14, noon). Click here for information and purchases.
Meanwhile, the Playhouse is partnering with the Connecticut Comedy Festival to present Michael Ian Black. The show is this Saturday (May 15, 7 p.m.) — and while it’s live, it’s outdoors. Attendees should bright chairs, to set up in the parking lot. Food will be available for purchase in the garden.
Black is remembered for the cult classic film “Wet Hot American Summer” and the Netflix series of the same name, as well as his work in the comedy troupe The State. Click here for tickets and more information.
The Westport Country Playhouse offers limited seating for this year’s cabarets.(Photo/Robert Benson)
The Westport Garden Club’s annual sale — a beloved event since 1928, though canceled last year by COVID — returns this Friday (May 14, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).
More than 1,000 perennials, including native varieties, will be for sale on Jesup Green. Club members will be on hand to answer questions. Can you dig it?
Speaking of which: The Westport Garden Club’s plant sale is not the only place to ask questions.
This Monday (May 17, 7 p.m., Zoom), Wakeman Town Farm’s Pollinator Pathway talk offers a an opportunity to ask master gardeners: What to plant where? What’s eating my plants? How can I keep them happy?
University of Connecticut advanced master gardener Alice Ely and veggie whisperer/WTF farmer Ryan Brunelle will “field” questions. Click here to register.
Digital Eye Strain and Computer Vision Syndrome are real issues. One of Mark Motyl’s young relatives suffers from looking too long and closely at his phone.
The pandemic exacerbated the problem, with remote learning and working, followed by more hours watching TV. Light-emitting pixels damage many eyes.
Motyl offers a solution. He’s the creator of Vivid-Tek — an immersive theater whose components hide in a credenza or bench.
Light from Vivid-Tek’s screens is reflected — not direct. Without sacrificing resolution, it is gentle, tolerable, and more “cinematic.”
Motyl’s screens can be used during the day for remote learning, Zoom calls, exercise classes, gaming and more. When not in use, they disappear into custom furniture.
Vivid-Tek’s showroom is at 1252 Post Road East (the former Splatterbox, near Fortuna’s). For more information click here, call 203-(203) 246-2011, or email info@vivid-tek.com.
Vivid-Tek’s screen and controls can be hidden in a bench.
Last month, “06880” reported that 2 Bank of America branches — the one next to the Starbucks drive-through, and another further east on the Southport line — had been permanently closed.
But, BOA said, customers could use the main Westport branch — next to Design Within Reach.
Yesterday, I had a non-ATM banking need. I headed downtown.
Work on the Aquarion water tank opposite Staples High School is moving along. Earlier today, a huge concrete pour was captured by alert “06880” reader — who was probably stuck momentarily in traffic — Seth Schachter.
Speaking of Staples: The boys rugby team is having a great season.
They’ve qualified for one of 16 spots at the national tournament in Kansas City June 17-19 — and are raising $50,000 to cover travel expenses. Click here for more information, and to help.
Staples High School Class of 2011 graduate (and swim team captain/musician) Margot Bruce is finishing up an MFA in cinema at San Francisco State University. Her thesis project is a film called “Harbor.” But she needs to raise $15,000 to make it.
Margot has launched an Indigogo campaign (click here). Click below for a short video, in which she explains the film’s intriguing themes.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA gets a nice shoutout in yesterday’s Washington Post.
Joanne Kaufman — who with her husband has “perched temporarily” in Fairfield County since fleeing Manhattan during COVID — writes about her return to swimming, at our Y.
The piece is called “Dear Locker Room, You Have No Idea How Much I’ve Missed You.” I thought it would be about the joys of the pool, even in a pandemic — my daily swims at the Y have kept me both physically and mentally fit since it reopened last June — but it is mostly about the camaraderie of the locker room.
Westport’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day is Saturday, April 24 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.,) at a new site: the Greens Farm train station.
The free program is open to residents of Westport, Wilton, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich.
These are some of the items that may be hanging around your home:
Garage: Paints, gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, etc.
Garden shed: Fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, etc.
General household: Bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, flammable liquids, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies and paints, etc.
The following items are NOT acceptable: Propane tanks, ammunition, flares, explosives, commercial hazardous waste.
Before bringing hazardous household items to the collection site:
Make sure items are clearly labeled. Never mix chemicals!
Keep products in their original labeled container.
Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags.
Tighten lids of all containers, and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with newspaper.
Put boxes in the trunk or in back of the vehicle, away from passengers.
Leave pets and children home.
Keep your windows open. Drive directly to the collection site.
Do not smoke or eat while handling hazardous materials.
Antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs and electronics can also be recycled at the transfer station on the Sherwood Island Connector, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.
Put all household hazardous waste in the trunk or rear of vehicles. Only fuel containers will be returned to residents.
Questions> Call the Public Works Department (203-341-1793), or click here.
It seems like the only miserable thing that’s dragged on longer than COVID is the replacement project for the Kings Highway North bridge, by Canal Street.
Public works director Pete Ratkiewich reported yesterday:
“The contractor has just finished setting the first 3 of 6 bridge sections today in the pouring rain. The last 3 will be set Friday.
“The schedule has not changed, with completion expected by the end of June. Once the precast sections are in, they will be working on putting the bridge back together and finishing the project as quickly as possible.”
From his lips to …
Once upon a time, traffic flowed easily on Kings Highway North.
Speaking of a long 13 months: Westporters are ready to get back to the fitness routine.
So the timing is great for the Westport Downtown Merchants Association’s Fitness & Health Day. It’s set for Saturday, May 1 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
The event takes place all along Main Street, but many more businesses and organizations are involved.
Fleet Feet in Sconset Square kicks things off, hosting a 5K run throughout downtown. Click here to register (spots are limited).
Westport’s leading studios and clubs — including JoyRide, Pure Barre, Row House, Elliptica, Intensity, Physique57, Club Pilates, Saugatuck Rowing Club, The Dance Collective, Stretch Lab, Kaia Yoga and the Westport Weston Family YMCA — will organize fun (and challenging) classes on main Street.
Walk-ups are not permitted for classes. To register, contact each studio directly. Observers are welcome, of course!
Other health and wellness folks will have a presence too: Franny’s Farmacy, RESTORE Cryo, Cparkly Soul, Wisdom and Youth MedSpa, Embrace Orthodontics, New England Hemp Farm, TAP Strength Lab and Organic Krush.
Other sponsors include Andersen Renewal. Wildflower Land Management, Manna Toast and David Adam Realty.
On Tuesday, “06880” reported that Bank of America’s Post Road East branch next to Starbucks — across from Carvel — is now closed permanently.
A mailing with the news directed customers to the downtown branch, next to Design Within Reach. There was no work about the fate of BOA’s 3rd Westport office, on the Southport line.
Now there is. A second mailing yesterday notified customers that that branch — at 1815 Post Road East — has also closed for good.
Banks are supposed to be prudent with their money. I have no idea how much it cost to send 2 separate mailings to all Westport customers.
But perhaps that kind of decision is part of the reason Bank of America just reduced its presence here by two-thirds. (Hat tip: John Karrel)
Posted onApril 13, 2021|Comments Off on Roundup: Remarkable Movies, Levitt Grass, Bald Eagle …
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It’s April break for the Westport schools. And “official” opening week for the Remarkable Theater.
The Imperial Avenue parking lot lineup is a great one.
Today (Tuesday, April 13, 7:30 p.m.): “Minari.” Nominated for 6 Oscars this year, including Best Picture. A Korean-American family moves to an Arkansas farm in search of its own American dream.
Prior to the movie, a documentary short featuring Westport’s Asian-American rally organizers will be shown. It’s produced by 4th Row Films, in association with the Remarkable Theater.
In it, local residents share their experiences growing up, their journey to Westport. and how they’re raising awareness of rising Asian hate by forming a group (they’re on Instagram: @AAPIWestport or email: AAPIWestport@gmail.com).
Official opening night is Friday, April 16 (7:30 p.m.): “The Goonies.” In this 1985 adventure comedy, a bunch of kids trying to save their homes from foreclosure embark on a treasure hunt adventure.
Saturday, April 17 (7:45 p.m.): “Mamma Mia!” ABBA stars in the best sing-along movie ever made.
Wednesday, April 21: “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid.” One-time local residents Paul Newman and Robert Redford star in this 1969 classic.
The night includes 4 short non-fiction documentary films before the feature:
“Gatsby in Westport“: Deej Webb helps convince you that Westport is the town that inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Great Gatsby.”
“Paul Shows Bob the New Playhouse”: A scene from the upcoming documentary about the Westport Country Playhouse.“
“A Townie Breakfast Sandwich”: A tour of Westport’s breakfast sandwiches, including Calise’s, Village Bagels and Coffee An’.
“Westport This Used to Be”: featuring Jill Gault and Antonio Antonelli.
Click here for tickets. Not all shows may be available yet. The Imperial Avenue lot opens an hour before showtime, for tailgating.
A couple of local guys starred in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
Starting May 2, children younger than 2 years old are welcome back to the Westport Library. A press release says, “We gladly welcome them to borrow books, audiobooks, CDs, and magazines.” I’m guessing most of that borrowing will be done for them, by somewhat older people.
The Westport Library welcomes children under 2 soon. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
As Kings Highway Elementary teachers returned to the building yesterday for the first time since March, students and parents welcomed them with messages of gratitude, encouragement and support
Families also clapped as staff members entered (from a safe distance, of course). The traditional school message echoes again: Kind hearts shine, and we will get through this together!
Working together to welcome teachers. (Photo/Elizabeth Ginns Britten
One of the oddest aspects of the pandemic — and there have been many — is the continued closure of local Bank of America branches.
At least 6 in the area have been shut since early spring. That includes the 3 on the Post Road in Westport. The one near Whole Foods, just over the Norwalk line, is still open.
I understand the ease of online banking. But sometimes you need a human being.
BOA is MIA. And no one has said a peep.
And finally … as we near the end of one of the strangest summers ever:
The other day, alert “06880” reader Peter Tulupman noticed something strange on the side of the Bank of America building downtown.
High up on the side was the numeral “1806.”
That’s not the street number — it’s 126 Post Road East.
And it’s certainly not the year it was built. Despite circling through a number of names (Fleet, anyone?) since its days as Connecticut Bank & Trust — the original tenant, I believe — this is not a 211-year-old property.
If anyone has any idea why this bank bears that number, click “Comments” below.
The first person with the right answer gets a toaster.
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